The Cincinnati Bengals completed their first season in 1968. They have brought in plenty of free agents. Like every team they have had some duds, but also struck gold on others, and that's what we will focus on in this article.
The Bengals weren't very active in free agency early in their history, so most of the team's best signings have come in the last 20 years. Let's break down the five best free-agent signings in Bengals history.
5. Terence Newman
Terence Newman only played three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, but he was a difference-maker during his time with the team. In 2012, Newman signed with the Bengals to reunite with Mike Zimmer who was his coach with the Dallas Cowboys. During his three seasons with the Bengals he was a shutdown corner. He also was a great locker room guy who helped a young defense. During his time with the Bengals, Newman had five interceptions total.
After leaving the Bengals he went on to play three more seasons with the Minnesota Vikings where he reunited with the Zimmer again.
4. Dhani Jones
One thing true about most players on this list is they didn't play more than a few seasons with the Bengals. Dhani Jones was a sixth round pick by the New York Giants in the 2001 draft. After playing with the Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles he joined the Cincinnati Bengals before the 2007 season. Jones was a fan favorite during his time with the Bengals because of his hard play, and Mike Zimmer loved the way he played. He quickly became a leader of the defense and was a big reason the defense turned around with Zimmer in charge. Jones retired from the NFL after the 2010 season.
3. Shayne Graham
Shayne Graham played his first season with the league with the Buffalo Bills and his next season he played with the Carolina Panthers. It wasn't until he joined the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003 that he found a long term home. Graham played from 2003 to 2009 with the Bengals. He was Mr. dependent putting the ball through the uprights. Graham finished his career with the Bengals scoring 779 points, and is considered one of the best kickers in Bengals history. After leaving the Bengals after the 2009 season, he bounced around the league like he did before coming to Cincinnati. After playing six games with the Atlanta Falcons in the 2015 season he hung up the cleats.
2. Cedric Benson
Cedric Benson was drafted with the 4th overall pick in the 2004 draft by the Chicago Bears. After three years with the Chicago Bears, it looked like he was on his way out of the league and going to be considered a big bust. After signing with the Bengals in the 2008 season he turned around his career.
Three of the four years with the Bengals he rushed for over 1000 yards. His best season was in 2009 when he rushed 301 times for 1,251 yards and six touchdowns. After leaving Cincinnati after the 2011 season, he played five seasons with the Green Bay Packers before retiring from the NFL.
1. Adam “Pacman” Jones
Adam “Pacman” Jones time with the Tennessee Titans failed because of multiple run-in's with law and with the Dallas Cowboys the same rung true. Jones signed with the Bengals in 2010 and that helped changed his career. Jones was with the Bengals from 2010-17 and was named to one Pro Bowl and one All-Pro team.
In 2013, 2014, and 2015 Jones finished the season with three interceptions. He was a fiery character on the field that would often get under the skin of his opponents. After leaving Cincinnati, Jones went to play for seven games with the Denver Broncos before retiring from the NFL.
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